Lauren Deakin, LMFT

I hold therapy as a safe, relational space to come face to face with ourselves-- the light, the shadow and everything in between-- not with judgement, but with compassionate curiosity and an openness to understand. When we know ourselves fully, with tenderness, understanding and honesty, we're able to offer this to others. This transformation reduces fear and brings a clarity and consciousness into our lives that permeates how and who we love, and the choices we make. For most of us, therapy is a supportive place to have our suffering witnessed, validated, and healed so we are freed toward a life of vibrancy. I honor the many facets of your identity and enjoy working with people across the racial and ethnic spectrum, of varied abilities, and of all orientations and expressions. Individual Therapy Because I believe we have the power and creative force to heal ourselves, at a foundational level my approach with individuals is reflective, warm, curious, and honest. This therapeutic work, your choices, and your life are ultimately your own, so I will support you in knowing and hearing your own voice, learning where it gets lost, and helping you develop ways to live life from a point of internal integration, clarity and conscious choice. I employ a blend of methodologies that is adapted to individual needs to compliment the variety present in my clientele. Through the use of creative expression, experiential exercises, and science-based techniques, you can expect to flow between the use of practical daily tools and a deeper exploration of past experiences, your internal emotional landscape, and bodily awareness. Working with Women The heartbeat of my practice is working with women or those who identify with the feminine experience on issues inherent to feminine life. I see this work as an essential part of healing our society and advancing human kind. Weaving together the cords of mind, body, and spirit, our work together will aid you in being at home and connected with your body and thus, to mindfully inhabit the space and world in which you live. I work with women through major life narratives such as young adulthood, identity development, motherhood, relationships and marriage, sexuality, gender roles and sexism, work and career, spirituality, and aging. More specifically, I treat issues common in female life like childhood sexual abuse, trauma and assault, eating disorders, emergent sexual identity and gender expression, domestic violence, sexual harassment, miscarriage, abortion, childbirth, fertility issues, postpartum depression and anxiety, affairs, divorce, and reemergence. Couples Therapy I'm experienced in and deeply value working with couples across a broad spectrum of identity. Whether related to race/culture, sexual orientation/gender identity, and/or the many permutations of polyamory, I strive to offer a safe and respectful space to all. I believe connection is at the core of everything we do. My goal in working with couples or families is to explore unconscious patterns and behaviors that are blocking intimacy and causing pain, awaken self-awareness and self-responsibility, and shift to a familial rhythm that moves with respect and love for each member. I work with couples to witness and heal wounds, rebuild trust and affection after dishonesty or infidelity, enliven emotional, physical, and sexual connections and engage in experiences that create tenderness, mutual care and thoughtful growth-- at both a partnership and individual level. My approach is sex positive, trauma informed, and targets transformation at both a deep and surface level, so couples gain practical tools for greater connection, and also experience deeper healing for sustained change and bonding. I also work with couples in the midst of separation or divorce to either clarify steps towards reunification or work towards a conscious and kind uncoupling. Among other things, I help couples in these circumstances gain clarity, establish a new framework for their relationship and children (if present), bring closure and healing to open wounds, and grow awareness of destructive patterns so they aren't repeated in future relationships. To see if we might be a good fit, I'm happy to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call.